Several fires broke out at Europe's largest detention centre for rejected asylum seekers last night after the civil disturbance there that may have been an attempted escape, officials said. About 400 people were staying at the centre, which was designed to accommodate up to 900, said John Bates, a spokesman for Group 4, the private security company that runs the facility. Other officials said that at least three people were treated at a nearby hospital for cuts and bruises, and that several asylum seekers may have escaped during the blazes. “We believe a number of people may have left the compound, but we are busily engaged in the fate of other people,” a spokesman for the Bedfordshire police said on customary condition of anonymity. It was not clear whether any of the remaining refugees at the centre were being evacuated as firefighters fought the blaze. A source at the detention centre told the Press Association news agency, “It certainly appears to be a breakout attempt, and we suspect some people have escaped, but we can't say that for sure yet.” More than 80 firefighters and 15 fire engines were battling the blazes at the Yarl's wood center, which was unveiled by the government last month, said Jacqui Manners, a spokeswoman for the Bedfordshire fire service. Bureau Report